Method and fixture for molding a tank with an embedded ring

ABSTRACT

A method of and fixture for molding a product with an embedded ring. A system for molding a ring into a product including a rotational molding mold with an opening formed in the rotational molding mold sized to fit a ring. A fixture is removably couplable to the ring, wherein the ring and the fixture when coupled are removably couplable in the opening. The fixture is removed from the ring after the ring is molded into a product. A method of manufacturing a product with an embedded ring includes: coupling a ring to a fixture; clamping the fixture and the ring in an opening in a mold top; clamping the mold top to a mold bottom; rotomolding a product; unclamping the fixture from the mold top; uncoupling the fixture from the ring; unclamping the mold top and the mold bottom; and removing the product from the mold.

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION[S]

This application is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No.18/106,133, filed Feb. 6, 2023, now U.S. Pat. No. 11,780,121, which is adivisional of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 17/521,299, filed Nov. 8,2021, which a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No.16/862,315, filed Apr. 29, 2020, now U.S. Pat. No. 11,167,457, which isa continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/612,810, filedJun. 2, 2017, now U.S. Pat. No. 10,647,031, which is a divisional ofU.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/391,439, filed Dec. 27, 2016, nowU.S. Pat. No. 9,802,340, which claims priority to U.S. ProvisionalPatent Application Ser. No. 62/393,402, filed Sep. 12, 2016, thedisclosures of which are hereby incorporated entirely herein byreference.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION Technical Field

This invention relates to a method and fixture for rotationally moldinga tank with a ring embedded in it.

State of the Art

Many everyday products are rotationally molded. Rotational molding orrotomolding is a high temperature, low pressure process that uses heatand biaxial rotation to produce hollow, one-piece parts.

In rotomolding, a mold is filled with powdered or liquid polymermaterial. The mold is then heated in an oven and rotated until thepolymer material is melted. As the mold rotates, the polymer materialcoats the inside of the mold. The mold is then cooled and the polymermaterial hardens. The mold is opened and the part is removed.

Rotomolding allows for the production of parts that would normallyrequire multiple pieces coupled together to be formed as a single piecereducing manufacturing costs. Additionally, inserts such as metal piecesmay be placed in the mold and the part may be formed around them incertain situations.

The problem, however, is that in order to form a rotomolded part thathas an insert such as a metal ring or other metal piece, the insert mustbe supported in such a way that there are not holes in the resultingproduct from the support system. This can be a problem if an insert isto be placed in the center of a surface in the part.

Many fuel tanks use a part referred to as a lock ring in order to attacha sending unit or other accessory to the tank. These rings have anunusual cross section that makes holding them in place in a molddifficult. Additionally, the rings are usually located in a more centrallocation in a tank wall.

Therefore, these rings are not used in rotomolded fuel tanks or they areattached to a tank by screwing the ring to threaded inserts that arerotomolded in the tank. This process adds time and expense to the tankmanufacturing process.

Accordingly, what is needed is a method and fixture for allowing a lockring to be rotomolded in place in a tank surface.

DISCLOSURE OF THE INVENTION

The disclosed invention relates to a method of and fixture formanufacturing a product such as a fuel tank with an embedded lock ringor other similar insert.

An embodiment of a system for rotationally molding a ring into a productincludes a rotational molding mold. An opening formed in the rotationalmolding mold sized to fit a ring. A fixture is removably coupled to thering, wherein the ring and the fixture when coupled are removablycoupled in the opening. Wherein the fixture is removed from the ringafter the ring is molded into a product.

An embodiment of a method of manufacturing a product with an embeddedring includes: coupling a ring to a fixture; clamping the fixture andthe ring in an opening in a mold top; clamping the mold top to a moldbottom; rotomolding a product; unclamping the fixture from the mold top;uncoupling the fixture from the ring; unclamping the mold top and themold bottom; and removing the product from the mold top and the moldbottom.

An embodiment of a fixture for holding a ring in a mold for rotationalmolding includes a locking plate, wherein the locking plate rotatablyreceives a ring. A fixture plate is coupled to the locking plate. Thefixture plate having a ridge for placement in a fixture opening in arotational molding mold.

An additional embodiment of a system for rotationally molding a ringinto a product including a rotational molding mold with an openingformed in the rotational molding mold sized to fit a ring. A fixture maybe removably coupled to the ring, wherein the ring and the fixture whencoupled are removably coupled in the opening. The fixture having alocking plate for receiving a plurality of coupler teeth on the ring anda fixture plate, wherein the fixture plate is removably coupled to a topof the locking plate. The fixture plate covers openings in the lockingplate. The fixture is removed from the ring after the ring is moldedinto a product.

An additional embodiment of fixture for holding a ring in a mold forrotational molding may include a locking plate, wherein the lockingplate receives a plurality of coupling teeth on a ring. The lockingplate locks the ring into a fixture. A fixture plate coupled to thelocking plate, wherein the fixture plate and the locking plate form asolid surface. The fixture plate having a ridge for placement in afixture opening in a rotational molding mold.

An additional alternate embodiment of a system for rotationally moldinga ring into a product includes a rotational molding mold. An openingformed in the rotational molding mold sized to fit a ring. The ringhaving a plurality of coupler teeth and mounting tabs. A fixtureremovably coupled to the ring, wherein the ring and the fixture whencoupled are removably coupled in the opening. The fixture including alocking plate; a plurality of slots formed in the locking plate, whereinthe plurality of slots rotatably receive the plurality of coupler teethof the ring; and a fixture plate removably coupled to the locking plate.The fixture plate and the locking plate form a solid surface within thering. The fixture plate covering openings in the locking plate. Thefixture is removed from the ring after the ring is molded into aproduct.

The foregoing and other features and advantages of the invention will beapparent to those of ordinary skill in the art from the following moreparticular description of the invention and the accompanying drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The invention will hereinafter be described in conjunction with theappended drawings where like designations denote like elements, and:

FIG. 1 is an isometric view of a lock ring;

FIG. 2 is a side view of a lock ring;

FIG. 3 is a top view of a lock ring;

FIG. 4 is a bottom view of a lock ring;

FIG. 5 is an isometric view of a first embodiment of a locking plate ofa fixture for holding a lock ring in a rotational molding mold;

FIG. 6 is a side view of a first embodiment of a locking plate of afixture for holding a lock ring in a rotational molding mold;

FIG. 7 is a top view of a first embodiment of a locking plate of afixture for holding a lock ring in a rotational molding mold;

FIG. 8 is a bottom view of a first embodiment of a locking plate of afixture for holding a lock ring in a rotational molding mold;

FIG. 9 is an isometric view of a fixture plate of a fixture for holdinga lock ring in a rotational molding mold;

FIG. 10 is a top view of a fixture plate of a fixture for holding a lockring in a rotational molding mold;

FIG. 11 is a bottom view of a fixture plate of a fixture for holding alock ring in a rotational molding mold;

FIG. 12 is a side view of a fixture plate of a fixture for holding alock ring in a rotational molding mold;

FIG. 13 is an isometric view of a first embodiment of a fixture forholding a lock ring in a rotational molding mold;

FIG. 14 is a side view of a first embodiment of a fixture for holding alock ring in a rotational molding mold;

FIG. 15 is a top view of a first embodiment of a fixture for holding alock ring in a rotational molding mold;

FIG. 16 is a bottom view of a first embodiment of a fixture for holdinga lock ring in a rotational molding mold;

FIG. 17 is an exploded isometric view of a first embodiment of a fixturefor holding a lock ring in a rotational molding mold;

FIG. 18 is an isometric view of a first embodiment of a fixture forholding a lock ring in a rotational molding mold coupled in a mold;

FIG. 19 is a partially exploded isometric view of a first embodiment ofa fixture for holding a lock ring in a rotational molding mold coupledin a mold;

FIG. 20 is a side view of a first embodiment of a fixture for holding alock ring in a rotational molding mold coupled in a mold;

FIG. 21 is a front view of a first embodiment of a fixture for holding alock ring in a rotational molding mold coupled in a mold;

FIG. 22 is a top view of a first embodiment of a fixture for holding alock ring in a rotational molding mold coupled in a mold;

FIG. 23 is an isometric view of a first embodiment of a machining guidemounted on a rotationally molded product;

FIG. 24 is a side view of a first embodiment of a machining guidemounted on a rotationally molded product;

FIG. 25 is a top view of a first embodiment of a machining guide mountedon a rotationally molded product;

FIG. 26 is an exploded view of a first embodiment of a machining guidefor mounting on a rotationally molded product;

FIG. 27 is an isometric view of a guide ring for a machining guide formounting on a rotationally molded product;

FIG. 28 is a top view of a guide ring for a machining guide for mountingon a rotationally molded product;

FIG. 29 is a bottom view of a guide ring for a machining guide formounting on a rotationally molded product;

FIG. 30 is a side view of a guide ring for a machining guide formounting on a rotationally molded product;

FIG. 31 is an isometric view of a first embodiment of a guide plate fora machining guide for mounting on a rotationally molded product;

FIG. 32 is a side view of a first embodiment of a guide plate for amachining guide for mounting on a rotationally molded product;

FIG. 33 is a side view showing hidden lines of a first embodiment of aguide plate for a machining guide for mounting on a rotationally moldedproduct;

FIG. 34 is a top view of a first embodiment of a guide plate for amachining guide for mounting on a rotationally molded product;

FIG. 35 is a bottom view of a first embodiment of a guide plate for amachining guide for mounting on a rotationally molded product;

FIG. 36 is an isometric view of a first embodiment of a router guidebushing for a machining guide for mounting on a rotationally moldedproduct;

FIG. 37 is a side view of a first embodiment of a router guide bushingfor a machining guide for mounting on a rotationally molded product;

FIG. 38 is a first end view of a first embodiment of a router guidebushing for a machining guide for mounting on a rotationally moldedproduct;

FIG. 39 is a second end view of a first embodiment of a router guidebushing for a machining guide for mounting on a rotationally moldedproduct;

FIG. 40 is an isometric view of a completed rotationally molded productcompleted by a first embodiment of a method of rotationally molding aproduct with an embedded ring;

FIG. 41 is a flow chart of a first embodiment of a method ofrotationally molding a product with an embedded ring;

FIG. 42 is an isometric view of a second embodiment of a locking plateof a fixture for holding a lock ring in a rotational molding mold;

FIG. 43 is a side view of a second embodiment of a locking plate of afixture for holding a lock ring in a rotational molding mold;

FIG. 44 is a top view of a second embodiment of a locking plate of afixture for holding a lock ring in a rotational molding mold;

FIG. 45 is a bottom view of a second embodiment of a locking plate of afixture for holding a lock ring in a rotational molding mold;

FIG. 46 is an isometric view of a second embodiment of a machining guidemounted on a rotationally molded product;

FIG. 47 is a top view of a second embodiment of a machining guidemounted on a rotationally molded product;

FIG. 48 is a side view of a second embodiment of a machining guidemounted on a rotationally molded product;

FIG. 49 is a front view of a second embodiment of a machining guidemounted on a rotationally molded product;

FIG. 50 is an exploded isometric view of a second embodiment of amachining guide mounted on a rotationally molded product;

FIG. 51 is an isometric view of a second embodiment of a guide plate fora machining guide for mounting on a rotationally molded product;

FIG. 52 is a side view of a second embodiment of a guide plate for amachining guide for mounting on a rotationally molded product;

FIG. 53 is a top view of a second embodiment of a guide plate for amachining guide for mounting on a rotationally molded product;

FIG. 54 is a bottom view of a second embodiment of a guide plate for amachining guide for mounting on a rotationally molded product;

FIG. 55 is a side view with hidden lines of a second embodiment of aguide plate for a machining guide for mounting on a rotationally moldedproduct;

FIG. 56 is an isometric view of a second embodiment of a router guidebushing for a machining guide for mounting on a rotationally moldedproduct;

FIG. 57 is a side view of a second embodiment of a router guide bushingfor a machining guide for mounting on a rotationally molded product;

FIG. 58 is a first end view of a second embodiment of a router guidebushing for a machining guide for mounting on a rotationally moldedproduct;

FIG. 59 is a second end view of a second embodiment of a router guidebushing for a machining guide for mounting on a rotationally moldedproduct;

FIG. 60 is an isometric view of a third embodiment of a router guidebushing for a machining guide for mounting on a rotationally moldedproduct;

FIG. 61 is a side view of a third embodiment of a router guide bushingfor a machining guide for mounting on a rotationally molded product;

FIG. 62 is a first end view of a third embodiment of a router guidebushing for a machining guide for mounting on a rotationally moldedproduct;

FIG. 63 is a second end view of a third embodiment of a router guidebushing for a machining guide for mounting on a rotationally moldedproduct;

FIG. 64 is an isometric view of a completed rotationally molded productcompleted by a second embodiment of a method of rotationally molding aproduct with an embedded ring; and

FIG. 65 is a flow chart of a second embodiment of a method ofrotationally molding a product with an embedded ring.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS OF THE INVENTION

As discussed above, embodiments of the present invention relate to afixture for and method of manufacturing a product such as a fuel tankwith an embedded insert such as a lock ring.

FIGS. 1-4 illustrate an embodiment of a lock ring 10. This ring may alsobe known as an encapsulated ring. The lock ring 10 is used to coupleaccessories such as sending units to fuel tanks on vehicles. The lockring 10, for the purposes herein, may be any size or shape desired. Thelock ring 10 configuration is not limiting as the lock ring 10 itself,as well as variations of the lock ring 10, are well known in the art.

The lock ring 10 includes a ring body 12. The ring body 12 is theunderlying ring shape used to form the basis of the lock ring 10. Thering body 12 may be any size or shape desired. The ring body 12 may beround as illustrated or may be oval, square or the like. The ring body12 may be one solid piece or may have openings formed in it.

The lock ring 10 also includes coupler teeth 14 formed in the top of thering body 12. The coupler teeth 14 extend perpendicularly from the ringbody 12, with a 90 degree bend near the top of the teeth 14. The couplerteeth 14 also have ridges formed near the 90 degree bend of the teeth14. The 90 degree bend and the ridges help the coupler teeth 14 tosecurely lock an accessory such as a sending unit into place.

The lock ring 10 also includes mounting tabs 16 which are used to mountthe lock ring 10 to a product or item such as a fuel tank. Thesemounting tabs 16 are tabs that extend from the outside of the ring body12. The mounting tabs 16 are bent slightly towards the bottom of thering body 12.

The lock ring 10 includes an alignment mounting tab 18. The alignmentmounting tab 18 may be wider than the other mounting tabs 16.Additionally, the alignment mounting tab 18 may have a cutout or markformed in its edge in order to form a location which may be aligned withother alignment marks on the molds and the tanks.

The lock ring 10 also contains multiple holes or openings 20 formedthrough the ring body 12. The openings 20 allow material to flow throughthe ring during molding, thereby creating a more secure coupling betweenthe tank or other product and the lock ring 10.

In order to use a lock ring 10 on a product such as a fuel tank,typically the fuel tank must be manufactured through blow molding orinjection molding as the lock ring 10 is designed to be used in blow orinjection molds. Alternatively, a different insert may be molded into arotomolded tank and then the lock ring 12 may be coupled to this insert.Both of these options are significantly more expensive than molding thelock ring 10 into a rotomolded tank, as rotomolding is cheaper than blowmolding for smaller batches of products such as are used for aftermarkettanks.

When using the lock ring 10 to couple an item to the product, the itemsuch as a sending unit is placed inside the ring. An additional top ringis placed on top of the sending unit and is rotated so the top ringlocks into the coupler teeth 14 to push down on the sending unit andseal it into place.

Mounting or molding the lock ring 10 to the product, as describedpreviously, is expensive. A cheaper method of mounting the lock ring 10would be to rotomold the lock ring 10 into place on the product or tank.However, a fixture for holding the lock ring 10 in place inside the moldfor rotomolding, in such a way that the fixture that holds the lock ring10 does not interfere with the design of the product, has not beenavailable previously.

A system for securing a lock ring in a rotational molding mold mayinclude a mold with an opening formed in it and a fixture for securingthe lock ring in the opening in the mold.

FIGS. 5-8 illustrate a first embodiment of a locking plate 30 which isused as part of a fixture for holding a lock ring 10 in a mold forrotomolding. Locking plate 30 is used to hold the lock ring 10 securelyin the fixture.

The locking plate 30 is a circular plate 32 formed from metal or anothermaterial that can withstand the rotomolding process. The locking plate30 has a thickness that is less than the height of the coupler teeth 14of the lock ring 10.

Though illustrated as a circular plate 32, the locking plate 30 may beformed in any shape required to mate with the lock ring 10 desired to bemolded into a product.

The locking plate 30 has a circular edge with a diameter slightly largerthan that of the lock ring 10. The locking plate 30 has indentedlocations 38 evenly spaced around the outside of the locking plate 30.

The locking plate 30 also has extended locations 36 formed between theindented locations 38 around the outside of the locking plate 30. Theextended locations 36 are portions of plate material that are the fulldiameter of the locking plate 30, or in other words, the extendedlocations 36 have an outer edge forming a diameter slightly larger thanthat of the lock ring 10.

The locking plate 30 has slots 34 formed at a location inset for theouter edge of the extended locations 36. The slots 34 are formed in theextended locations 36 on the locking plate 30. The slots 34 extend froma side of the extended locations 36 towards the opposite side of theextended locations 36. The slots 34 do not extend the entire width ofthe extended locations 36. The slots 34 pass through the entirethickness of the locking plate 30.

The slots 34 are formed as thin rectangular cuts through the lockingplate 30.

Additionally, the locking plate 30 includes triangular locks 40 locatedat the inner edge of the slots 34. The triangular locks 40 aretriangular pieces that extend above the surface of the locking plate 30.The triangular locks 40 have a rounded top.

The triangular locks 40 may be any thickness, width or height desired,provided the triangular locks 40 are sturdy enough to lock the lock ring10 in place.

The triangular locks 40 though illustrated as triangles, may in fact beany shape desired.

The locking plate 30 also has fixture plate coupler locations 42 formedin it. The fixture plate coupler locations 42 are cylinders extendingfrom the top of the locking plate 30. Through the center of thecylinders, a hole is drilled in order to allow a coupler such as a boltto extend from the bottom of the locking plate 30, up through thecylindrical, fixture plate coupler location 42.

There may be as many or as few fixture plate coupler locations 42 asdesired, provided that there are enough of the fixture plate couplerlocations 42 to securely couple a fixture plate to the locking plate 30and few enough to allow the fixture to be easily assembled anddisassembled.

The hole through the fixture plate coupler locations 42 may be threadedin order to receive a bolt.

Bolts 44 are threaded through fixture plate coupler locations 42. Bolts44 allow additional pieces of the fixture to be coupled together. Bolts44, once placed through fixture plate coupler locations 42, are sandedor ground down so that they do not extend through the bottom of thelocking plate 30 as illustrated in FIG. 8 . Typically, the holes in thefixture plate coupler locations 42 are countersunk and the bolts 44 haveflat heads so that only a portion of the head must be ground off.

Bolts 44 may be coupled in the fixture plate coupler locations 42through threads, adhesives, welding or the like.

Handle locations 48 are also formed in the locking plate 30. Handlelocations 48 are holes drilled through the locking plate 30. The handlelocation 48 holes are also threaded in order to couple the handle 50 tothe locking plate 30. The handle locations 48 are located at twolocations opposite each other in the locking plate 30.

Bolts 58 are coupled to handle locations 48. In assembling, lockingplate 30, nut 56 and at least one lock washer are threaded onto bolts58. Bolts 58 are then screwed into handle locations 48. Nuts 56 are thentightened down on bolts 58. The bottoms of bolts 58 are then sanded orground down in order to prevent the ends of bolts 58 from extending intothe mold itself.

Handle 50 is coupled to the tops of bolts 58. Handle 50 is permanentlycoupled through welding, adhesives or the like. Handle 50 allows lockingplate 30 to be easily twisted into the lock ring 10 and the like.

Handle 50 is illustrated as a rounded rectangle, however, handle 50could be any shape or size desired, provided it does not interfere withthe function of the fixture.

An alignment mark 46 may also be formed in the surface of the lockingplate 30. The alignment mark 46 is a linear indentation formed in thesurface of the locking plate 30 in order to allow the locking plate 30to be properly aligned with the rest of the fixture.

Vent 52 is also coupled to locking plate 30. Vent 52 passes through thecenter of locking plate 30 in order to allow gasses and pressure withinthe mold to escape during the rotational molding process. Vent 52 isillustrated as a hollow cylindrical tube. Vent 52 may be any size orshape desired, provided that it stills serves the purpose of allowinggasses to escape the mold. Vent 52 may be formed from any materialdesirable which can withstand the rotational molding process.

Vent 52 is held in place by pin 54. Pin 54 couples to vent 52 andprevents it from falling through the locking plate 30.

FIG. 8 illustrates the bottom of the locking plate 30. The bottom oflocking plate 30 includes a ridge 60. Ridge 60 is a raised circular orring shaped area that is located just inside the indented locations 38of the locking plate 30.

Though, illustrated as a ring shaped area, ridge 60 may be any size orshape desired.

Ridge 60 is formed inside of the coupling teeth 14 of the lock ring 10.There is, however, a space between ridge 60 and the coupling teeth 14.This space allows material to flow through openings 20 of the lock ring10 in order to secure the lock ring 10 into place in the surface of themolded product. Additionally, the material flows through openings 20 andcreates an exterior surface of a channel on the molded product.

Ridge 60 creates a channel in the rotationally molded product. Thechannel is located just inside of the coupling teeth 14 of the lock ring10. The channel is a ring shaped indentation formed in the surface ofthe molded product. The channel encircles the interior of the couplingthe lock ring 10. An O-ring is placed in the channel after the productis completed.

In order to couple the lock ring 10 to the locking plate 30, the couplerteeth 14 are placed in the indented locations 38 of the locking plate30.

The locking plate 30 is then rotated with respect to the lock ring 10 sothat the coupler teeth 14 travel into the slots 34 on the extendedlocations 36 of the locking plate 30. The coupler teeth 14 are lockedinto the slots 34 by the ridges on the coupler teeth 14 mating with thetriangular locks 40 on the locking plate 30.

FIGS. 9-12 illustrate a fixture plate 70. The fixture plate 70 is a thinround plate similar to the locking plate 30. The fixture plate 70,though illustrated as a thin round plate, may be any shape or sizedesired, provided it can be used to secure the locking plate 30 to amold.

The fixture plate 70 includes fixture plate coupler openings 80. Thefixture plate coupler openings 80 are openings cut through the fixtureplate 70. The fixture plate coupler openings 80 also have a lip 84 whichextends cylindrically from the surface of the fixture plate 70.

Coupler teeth openings 74 are also formed in the fixture plate 70. Theseopenings are shaped to fit around the coupler teeth 14 of the lock ring10. The coupler teeth openings 74 are illustrated as three curved slotsformed so that they encompass almost the entire circumference of thefixture plate 70. Each of these coupler teeth openings 74 hasrectangular cutouts formed along their outer edges. These rectangularcutouts are configured to receive the extended locations 36 of thelocking plate 30.

Forming the rectangular cutouts in the coupler teeth openings 74 arerectangular extensions 76 which extend from the outer edges of thecoupler teeth openings 74 into the interior of the coupler teethopenings 74. The rectangular extensions 76 are rounded rectangularpieces of material that mate with the locking plate 30 in order toprevent material from leaking from the mold.

The locking plate 30 and the fixture plate 70 fit together like puzzlepieces in order to create a solid surface that material will not leakthrough during molding.

The fixture plate 70 may have multiple elevations as illustrated byridge 88. These multiple elevations allow fixture plate 70 to fit overthe top of locking plate 30 while still having portions of fixture plate70 that interlock with locking plate 30 to create a smooth surfaceadjacent to the interior of the mold.

Additionally, the fixture plate 70 has a ring 72 that runs around theouter circumference of the fixture plate 70.

A handle opening 82 is formed in the center of the fixture plate 70. Thehandle opening 82 is a rounded slot formed across the center of thefixture plate 70.

Though, all of the openings formed in the fixture plate 70 areillustrated in specific shapes, they may be formed in any shape whichallows the fixture to function properly.

The outer bottom edge of the fixture plate 70 includes a mold ridge 90.The mold ridge 90 is used to mate with a lip on the mold in order toprevent the fixture from falling into the mold. The mold ridge 90 is anindented lip that runs the entire circumference of the fixture plate 70at the bottom outer edge of the ring 72.

While the mold ridge 90 is illustrated as travelling the entirecircumference of the fixture plate 70, in alternate embodiments, themold ridge 90 may consist of a set of individual ridges formed at givenintervals which mate with extended portions of the mold in order to holdthe fixture plate 70 in place.

Additionally, the fixture plate 70 has an alignment mark 78 which isaligned with the alignment mark 46 on the locking plate 30 when thefixture is assembled.

In order to use the fixture, the fixture plate 70 is placed over thelocking plate 30 which is mated with the lock ring 10. The coupler teeth14 of the lock ring 10 fit through the rectangular openings formed alongthe edges of the coupler teeth openings 74.

The edges of the fixture plate 70 that mate with the locking plate 30have a draft 75 of approximately 5 degrees. The draft 75 is a slightangling of the edges of the two plates. Both the fixture plate 70 andthe locking plate 30 are drafted the same direction in order to allowthe plates to sit flush next to each other and to hold the ring 10 atthe proper depth in the mold.

FIGS. 13-17 illustrate a fixture 100 with a lock ring 10 for holding thelock ring 10 in position in a mold during the rotational moldingprocess.

Fixture plate 70 is removably coupled to locking plate 30 with bolts 44.Bolts 44 are permanently coupled to locking plate 30. When fixture plate70 is placed on top of locking plate 30, bolts 44 extend through fixtureplate coupler openings 80. Washers 102 and 104 are then placed on bolts44. Everything is then held in place with wingnuts 106.

In alternate embodiments, alternate methods of coupling the ring 10,locking plate 30 and fixture plate 70 may be used.

FIGS. 18-22 illustrate a fixture 100 with a mold 200. The fixture 100 isplaced in an opening 216 in the mold body 210. The opening 216 allowsthe fixture to be in fluid communication with the mold interior. Theopening 216 is formed near the center of the top of the mold body 210.The opening 216 is used to hold the fixture during manufacturing. Theopening 216 is illustrated as a circular opening. The opening 216 may,however, be formed in any shape or size desired.

The fixture 100 sits on edge 220 with mold ridge 90 abutting the edge220. The edge 220 and mold ridge 90 support the fixture 100 above theinterior of the mold body 210.

Rim 221 is a raised portion surrounding opening 216. Rim 221 helps tosecure fixture 100 in opening 216 by preventing the fixture 100 fromshifting.

Once the fixture 100 has been placed in opening 216, the fixture 100 isaligned so that the alignment marks 46 and 78 on the fixture align withalignment mark 218 on the mold body 210.

Clamps 214 are then used to clamp the fixture 100 in place. In order toclamp the fixture 100 in place, the handle 50 is aligned with the clamps214. The clamp pads 215 are then placed on the handle 50 of the fixture100. The clamps 214 are then closed firmly on the fixture 100 by movinghandles 212 towards the center of the mold body 210.

Clamps 214 may be any type of device that applies pressure to thefixture 100 in order to hold it securely in place in opening 216.Additionally, clamps 214 may be any device that prevents the fixture 100from leaving opening 216 during the rotational molding process.

FIGS. 23-26 illustrate a rotationally molded product 310 with amachining guide 300. The machining guide 300 is used to guide a routerso as to remove additional material within the lock ring 10 on themolded product 310.

In use, a router with a router guide bushing 318 is placed in an openingin the machining guide 300. The handle 314 on the machining guide 300 isrotated and the router bit follows a predetermined path to remove acircular or other shaped section of material within the lock ring 10embedded in the product 310.

The machining guide 300 includes a guide ring 312 and a guide plate 316.Additionally, the guide ring 312 has alignment marks 320 and 322 whichalign with marks 326 and 324 on the molded product 310. Marks 326 and324 are created during the molding process.

FIG. 26 is an exploded view of a machining guide 300 and a moldedproduct 310. FIG. 26 illustrates the lock ring 10 embedded in the moldedproduct 310. A hole 325 is also formed in the top of the molded product310 by the vent 52.

The guide ring 312 is removably coupled to the lock ring 10. The guideplate 316 is then inserted into the guide ring 312.

FIGS. 27-30 illustrate a guide ring 312. The guide ring 312 is a ringwith an inner diameter similar to the inner diameter of the lock ring10. The outer diameter of the guide ring 312 is larger than the outerdiameter of the lock ring 10.

The guide ring 312 includes an outer ring with a lip 334. The lip 334 isan indentation in the inner edge of the guide ring 312. The lip 334extends the entire circumference of the interior of the guide ring 312.

The lower interior surface 340 of the guide ring 312 has indentations336 formed in it. Indentations 336 are substantially rectangular cutoutsthat are configured to receive the coupling teeth 14 of the lock ring10.

The corners 338 of the indentations 336 are extended beyond the depth ofthe indentations 336 in order to allow the indentations 336 in the guidering 312 to be manufactured to abut the coupling teeth 14.

While the indentations 336 are illustrated as rectangular cutouts, theymay be any shape that will accommodate the coupling teeth 14 of the lockring 10.

The guide ring 312 also includes alignment markings 320 and 322 whichalign with alignment markings formed on the surface of the moldedproduct. The alignment markings 320 and 322 are lines formed in thesurface of the guide ring 312 similar to the lines forming the otheralignment markings previously discussed.

In alternate embodiments, the guide ring 312 may be any size orconfiguration that fits the specific ring or other insert being moldedinto the rotationally molded product.

FIGS. 31-35 illustrate a first embodiment of a guide plate 316. Theguide plate 316 is configured to be received in the guide ring 312. Theguide plate 316 includes a circular plate with a ridge 332 formed in thebottom outside circumference of the guide plate 316. The ridge 332 isconfigured to be received on the lip 334 of the guide ring 312.

A handle 314 is coupled near an edge of the guide plate 316. The handle314 allows the guide plate 316 to be rotated within the guide ring 312.The handle 314 may be shaped or formed in any way that allows a user toeasily manipulate the guide plate 316.

A router opening 330 is formed near an edge of the guide plate 316 in alocation different from the location at which the handle 314 is coupled.The router opening 330 is a hole through the guide plate 316 at adistance from the lock ring 10 at which it is desired to make a cut.

A router with a router guide bushing is placed in the router opening330. The guide plate 316 is then rotated and the router makes a circularcut through the molded product in order to remove material within thelock ring 10.

FIG. 33 illustrates a side view of a guide plate 316 with hidden linesshown. In this view, the bottom of handle 314 can be seen. The bottom ofhandle 314 is threaded 342 in order to allow the handle to be coupled inhole 346 formed in the guide plate 316.

Additionally, router opening 330 has a larger opening at the top andnarrows abruptly towards the bottom 344 creating a lip which is used tosupport a router guide bushing.

FIGS. 36-39 illustrate a first embodiment of a router guide bushing 318.Router guide bushing 318 is a cylindrical member with a threaded 350 top358. The router guide bushing 318 is open in the interior 352 withadditional openings 354 in the sides of the router guide bushing 318near the bottom 356. These additional openings 354 allow particles andthe like from machining to leave the router guide bushing 318.

The router guide bushing 318 is configured to couple at its threaded end358 to a router. The bit of the router extends through the interior 352of the router guide bushing 318 and below the bottom 356 of the routerguide bushing 318.

The router guide bushing 318 is coupled to the router and then therouter guide bushing 318 is inserted into the router opening 330 in theguide plate 316. The router bit extends through the narrow bottom 344 ofthe router opening 330 with the router guide bushing 318 being supportedby the larger top portion of the router opening 330.

After the router guide bushing 318 is inserted into the router opening330, the router may be used to remove excess material from the moldedproduct.

FIG. 40 illustrates a completed product 400. Molded product 310 isillustrated with embedded lock ring 10. Opening 372 has been cut in thecenter of the lock ring 10 with a router as discussed previously.Channel 370 was created by ridge 60 in the bottom of locking plate 30.Channel 370 will receive an O-ring.

FIG. 41 illustrates a method 410 of manufacturing a product, such as atank, with an embedded insert such as a lock ring 10. Step 412 of themethod involves rotating the lock ring into the locking plate. The lockring is placed into the locking plate so that the coupler teeth extendabove the locking plate surface. The locking plate is then rotated withrespect to the lock ring so that the coupler teeth are locked into placein the slots in the locking plate.

Step 414 of the method is to secure the locking plate to the fixtureplate. The locking plate is secured to the fixture plate through the useof couplers such as bolts, screws, or the like. While adhesives orepoxies may be used, it is desirable to be able to disassemble thelocking plate and fixture plate when the molding is done.

Step 416 is to clamp the fixture plate to the mold top. The fixtureplate may be clamped into a fixture opening formed anywhere in the mold.The fixture plate is placed in the fixture opening with the mountingtabs of the lock ring pointing towards the inside of the mold. Thefixture plate is secured in place by using large clamps.

Step 418 is to assemble the mold by clamping the top of the mold to thebottom of the mold.

Step 420 is to mold the product. While the product may be molded withinjection molding, rotomolding or any other process desired. It isanticipated that this fixture and process will most likely be used in arotomolding process.

Once the product has been molded and cooled, step 422 is to unclamp thefixture plate from the top of the mold.

Step 424 is to remove the fixture plate from the locking plate. Thefixture plate is removed from the locking plate by removing the nuts andwashers from the fixture plate bolts. The fixture plate can then belifted up off of the locking plate.

Step 426 is to rotate the locking plate from the lock ring. The lockingplate may be uncoupled from the lock ring by rotating the locking platein the opposite direction it was rotated previously. Once the couplerteeth are free from the slots in the locking plate, the locking platemay be lifted free from the lock ring. The lock ring is now embedded inthe product.

Step 428 is to unclamp the mold top and the mold bottom.

Step 430 is to remove the product from the mold top and the mold bottom.

Step 432 is to couple a machining guide to the lock ring embedded in thetop of the product. The machining guide is coupled to the lock ring byplacing the guide ring over the coupling teeth of the lock ring. Theguide plate is then placed in the guide ring. A router guide bushing iscoupled to a router.

Step 434 is to insert the router into the machining guide and byrotating the guide plate in the guide ring, to machine the excessmaterial out of the inside of the lock ring on the molded part.

FIGS. 42-45 illustrate a second embodiment of a locking plate 500.Locking plate 500, as discussed above, is used to hold the lock ring 10securely in the fixture.

The locking plate 500 is a circular plate 510 formed from metal oranother material that can withstand the rotomolding process. The lockingplate 500 has a thickness that is less than the height of the couplerteeth 14 of the lock ring 10.

Though illustrated as a circular plate 510, the locking plate 500 may beformed in any shape required to mate with the lock ring 10 desired to bemolded into a product.

The locking plate 500 has a circular edge with a diameter slightlylarger than that of the lock ring 10. The locking plate 500 has indentedlocations 534 evenly spaced around the outside of the locking plate 500.

The locking plate 500 also has extended locations 512 formed between theindented locations 534 around the outside of the locking plate 500. Theextended locations 512 are portions of plate material that are the fulldiameter of the locking plate 500, or in other words, the extendedlocations 512 have an outer edge forming a diameter slightly larger thanthat of the lock ring 10.

The locking plate 500 has slots 514 formed at a location inset for theouter edge of the extended locations 512. The slots 514 are formed inthe extended locations 512 on the locking plate 500. The slots 514extend from a side of the extended locations 512 towards the oppositeside of the extended locations 512. The slots 514 do not extend theentire width of the extended locations 512. The slots 514 pass throughthe entire thickness of the locking plate 500.

The slots 514 are formed as thin rectangular cuts through the lockingplate 500.

Additionally, the locking plate 500 includes triangular locks 516located at the inner edge of the slots 514. The triangular locks 516 aretriangular pieces that extend above the surface of the locking plate500. The triangular locks 516 have a rounded top.

The triangular locks 516 may be any thickness, width or height desired,provided the triangular locks 516 are sturdy enough to lock the lockring 10 in place.

The triangular locks 516 though illustrated as triangles may in fact beany shape desired.

The locking plate 500 also has fixture plate coupler locations 528formed in it. The fixture plate coupler locations 528 are cylindersextending from the top of the locking plate 500. Through the center ofthe cylinders, a hole is drilled in order to allow a coupler such as abolt to extend from the bottom of the locking plate 500, up through thecylindrical, fixture plate coupler location 528. Typically the hole willbe threaded.

There may be as many or as few fixture plate coupler locations 528 asdesired, provided that there are enough of the fixture plate couplerlocations 528 to securely couple a fixture plate to the locking plate500 and few enough to allow the fixture to be easily assembled anddisassembled.

Bolts 530 are threaded through fixture plate coupler locations 528.Bolts 530 allow additional pieces of the fixture to be coupled together.Bolts 530, once placed through fixture plate coupler locations 528, aresanded or ground down so that they do not extend through the bottom ofthe locking plate 500 as illustrated in FIG. 45 .

Handle locations 525 are also formed in the locking plate 500. Handlelocations 525 are holes drilled through the locking plate 500. Thehandle location 525 holes are also threaded in order to couple thehandle 518 to the locking plate 500. The handle locations 525 arelocated at two locations opposite each other in the locking plate 500.

Bolts 520 are coupled to handle locations 525. In assembling lockingplate 500, a nut 526 and at least one lock washer are threaded ontobolts 520. Bolts 520 are then screwed into handle locations 525. Nuts526 are then tightened down on bolts 520. The bottoms of bolts 520 arethen sanded or ground down in order to prevent the ends of bolts 520from extending into the mold itself.

Handle 518 is coupled to the tops of bolts 520. Handle 518 ispermanently coupled through welding, adhesives or the like. Handle 518allows locking plate 500 to be easily twisted into the lock ring 10 andthe like.

Handle 518 is illustrated as a rounded rectangle, however, handle 518could be any shape or size desired, provided it does not interfere withthe function of the fixture.

An alignment mark 532 may also be formed in the surface of the lockingplate 500. The alignment mark 532 is a linear indentation formed in thesurface of the locking plate 500 in order to allow the locking plate 500to be properly aligned with the rest of the fixture.

Vent 522 is also coupled to locking plate 500. Vent 522 passes throughthe center of locking plate 500 in order to allow gasses and pressurewithin the mold to escape during the rotational molding process. Vent522 is illustrated as a hollow cylindrical tube. Vent 522 may be anysize or shape desired, provided that it stills serves the purpose ofallowing gasses to escape the mold. Vent 522 may be formed from anymaterial desirable which can withstand the rotational molding process.

Vent 522 is held in place by pin 524. Pin 524 couples to vent 522 andprevents it from falling through the locking plate 500.

Unlike the previous embodiment of a locking plate, locking plate 500does not have a ridge on the bottom of the locking plate 500.

In order to couple the lock ring 10 to the locking plate 500, thecoupler teeth 14 are placed in the indented locations 534 of the lockingplate 500.

The locking plate 500 is then rotated with respect to the lock ring 10so that the coupler teeth 14 travel into the slots 514 on the extendedlocations 512 of the locking plate 500. The coupler teeth 14 are lockedinto the slots 514 by the ridges on the coupler teeth 14 mating with thetriangular locks 516 on the locking plate 500.

The alternate embodiment of locking plate 500 couples to a lock ring andfixture plate as discussed above. Additionally, the locking plate 500 isutilized in a fixture in a mold as discussed previously. The lockingplate 500 does not, however, include a ridge on the bottom as theprevious embodiment of a locking plate did. Therefore, a channel is notformed in the molded product as in the previous embodiments.

FIGS. 46-50 illustrate an second embodiment of a machining guide 600 tobe used on a molded product 610. The second embodiment of a machiningguide 600 is configured to be used when the second embodiment of thelocking plate 500 is used in the molding process.

The second embodiment of a machining guide 600 is used to machine achannel and cut out the extra material in the center of the lock ring.

The guide ring 312 used in the second embodiment of the machining guide600 operates identically to the guide ring 312 discussed previously. Theguide ring 312 used in the second embodiment of the machining guide 600may, however, have different dimensions than the guide ring 312 used inthe first embodiment of the machining guide.

The guide plate 612, however, is different for the second embodiment ofthe machining guide 600 as it has two router openings 630 and 632.Router opening 630 is used to cut a channel in the surface of the moldedproduct. The channel will receive an O-ring. Router opening 632 is usedto remove the excess material in the center of the lock ring.

As previously discussed, the molded product 610 has alignment marks 620and 624 which are marks formed in the molding of the product. Alignmentmarks 620 and 624 align with alignment marks 320 and 322 on the guidering 312. The alignment marks are linear indentations formed in thesurfaces of the various pieces.

Guide plate 612 also comprises a handle 616 and router guide bushings626 and 628.

FIG. 50 illustrates an exploded view of a molded product 610 with amachining guide 600. In the center of the lock ring 10 which is embeddedin the top of the product 610, a vent hole 648 is illustrated.Additionally, a guide ring 312 which removably couples to the lock ring10 embedded in the product 610 is also illustrated and a guide plate 612which is placed inside the guide ring 312.

While the guide ring 312, used in this embodiment is identical to theguide ring 312 disclosed previously, the guide plate 612 is different.

FIGS. 51-55 illustrate a second embodiment of a guide plate 612. Theguide plate 612 is configured to be received in the guide ring 312. Theguide plate 612 includes a circular plate 650 with a ridge 654 formed inthe bottom outside circumference of the guide plate 612. The ridge 654is configured to be received on the lip 334 of the guide ring 312.

A handle 616 is coupled near an edge of the guide plate 612. The handle616 allows the guide plate 612 to be rotated within the guide ring 312.The handle 616 may be shaped or formed in any way that allows a user toeasily manipulate the guide plate 612.

A first router opening 630 is formed near an edge of the guide plate 612in a location different from the location at which the handle 616 iscoupled. The first router opening 630 is a hole through the guide plate612 at a distance from the lock ring 10. The first router opening 630 isused to cut a channel in the molded product.

A router with a router guide bushing is placed in the first routeropening 630. The guide plate 612 is then rotated and the router makes acircular cut into the molded product in order to create a channel in themolded product. The channel will be used to receive an O-ring.

A second router opening 632 is formed farther from an edge of the guideplate 612 that the first router opening 630 and in a location differentfrom the location at which the handle 616 is coupled. The second routeropening 632 is a hole through the guide plate 612 at a distance from thelock ring 10. The second router opening 632 is used to remove excessmaterial on the molded product from the inside of the lock ring.

A router with a router guide bushing is placed in the second routeropening 632. The guide plate 612 is then rotated and the router makes acircular cut into the molded product in order to remove a circularsection of material.

FIG. 55 illustrates a side view of a guide plate 612 with hidden linesshown. In this view, the bottom of handle 616 can be seen. The bottom ofhandle 616 is threaded 658 in order to allow the handle to be coupled inhole 656 formed in the guide plate 612.

Additionally, first router opening 630 has a larger opening at the topand narrows abruptly towards the bottom forming a lip for supporting therouter guide bushing.

Second router opening 632 also is larger at the top and narrows towardsthe bottom. Additionally, second router opening 632 extends into acylindrical extension 652 coupled to the bottom surface of the guideplate 612. Cylindrical extension 652 is a hollow cylindrical memberwhich allows the router to cut deeper into the product in order toremove the excess material in the center of the lock ring.

FIGS. 56-59 illustrate a second embodiment of a router guide bushing626. The second embodiment of a router guide bushing 626 is shorter andlarger in diameter than the previous embodiment of a router guidebushing discussed above. Router guide bushing 626 is a cylindricalmember 660 with a threaded 668 top 670. The router guide bushing 626 isopen in the interior 664 with additional openings 666 in the sides ofthe router guide bushing 626 near the bottom 662. These additionalopenings 666 allow particles and the like from machining to leave therouter guide bushing 626.

The router guide bushing 626 is configured to couple at its threaded end670 to a router. The bit of the router extends through the interior 664of the router guide bushing 626 and below the bottom 662 of the routerguide bushing 626.

The router guide bushing 626 is coupled to the router and then therouter guide bushing 626 is inserted into the router opening 630 in theguide plate 612. The router bit extends through the narrow bottom of therouter opening 630 with the router guide bushing 626 being supported bythe larger top portion of the router opening 630.

After the router guide bushing 626 is inserted into the router opening630, the router may be used to form a channel in the surface of themolded product.

FIGS. 60-63 illustrate a third embodiment of a router guide bushing 628.The third embodiment of a router guide bushing 628 is narrower andlonger than the second embodiment of a router guide bushing 626. Routerguide bushing 628 is a cylindrical member 680 with a threaded 688 top690. The router guide bushing 628 is open in the interior 684 withadditional openings 686 in the sides of the router guide bushing 628near the bottom 682. These additional openings 686 allow particles andthe like from machining to leave the router guide bushing 628.

The router guide bushing 628 is configured to couple at its threaded end690 to a router. The bit of the router extends through the interior 684of the router guide bushing 628 and below the bottom 682 of the routerguide bushing 628.

The router guide bushing 628 is coupled to the router and then therouter guide bushing 628 is inserted into the router opening 632 in theguide plate 612. The router guide bushing 628 and the router bit extendinto the cylindrical extension 652 with the router bit extending throughthe narrow bottom of the router opening 632 with the router guidebushing 628 being supported by the larger top portion of the routeropening 632.

After the router guide bushing 628 is inserted into the router opening632, the router may be used to remove a circular section of the moldedproduct within the lock ring 10.

FIG. 64 illustrates a completed product 700. Molded product 610 isillustrated with embedded lock ring 10. Opening 710 has been cut in thecenter of the lock ring 10 with a router as discussed previously.Channel 712 was also machined into the surface of the molded productwith a router as discussed previously. Channel 712 will receive anO-ring.

FIG. 65 illustrates a method 810 of manufacturing a product, such as atank, with an embedded insert such as a lock ring 10. Step 812 of themethod involves rotating the lock ring into the locking plate. The lockring is placed into the locking plate so that the coupler teeth extendabove the locking plate surface. The locking plate is then rotated withrespect to the lock ring so that the coupler teeth are locked into placein the slots in the locking plate.

Step 814 of the method is to secure the locking plate to the fixtureplate. The locking plate is secured to the fixture plate through the useof couplers such as bolts, screws, or the like. While adhesives orepoxies may be used, it is desirable to be able to disassemble thelocking plate and fixture plate when the molding is done.

Step 816 is to clamp the fixture plate to the mold top. The fixtureplate may be clamped into a fixture opening formed anywhere in the mold.The fixture plate is placed in the fixture opening with the mountingtabs of the lock ring pointing towards the inside of the mold. Thefixture plate is secured in place by using large clamps.

Step 818 is to assemble the mold by clamping the top of the mold to thebottom of the mold.

Step 820 is to mold the product. While the product may be molded withinjection molding, rotomolding or any other process desired. It isanticipated that this fixture and process will most likely be used in arotomolding process.

Once the product has been molded and cooled, step 822 is to unclamp thefixture plate from the top of the mold.

Step 824 is to remove the fixture plate from the locking plate. Thefixture plate is removed from the locking plate by removing the nuts andwashers from the fixture plate bolts. The fixture plate can then belifted up off of the locking plate.

Step 826 is to rotate the locking plate from the lock ring. The lockingplate may be uncoupled from the lock ring by rotating the locking platein the opposite direction it was rotated previously. Once the couplerteeth are free from the slots in the locking plate, the locking platemay be lifted free from the lock ring. The lock ring is now embedded inthe product.

Step 828 is to unclamp the mold top and the mold bottom.

Step 830 is to remove the product from the mold top and the mold bottom.

Step 832 is to couple a machining guide to the lock ring embedded in thetop of the product. The machining guide is coupled to the lock ring byplacing the guide ring over the lock ring. The guide plate is placed inthe lock ring. Step 834 is machining a channel in the product. A routeris placed in the router guide bushing in a router opening on the guideplate. The guide plate is then rotated and the router cuts a channel inthe product adjacent the lock ring. The channel is configured to receivean O-ring.

Step 836 is to insert a router into the machining guide and by rotatingthe guide plate in the machining guide, to machine the excess materialout of the inside of the lock ring on the molded part.

Accordingly, for the exemplary purposes of this disclosure, thecomponents defining any embodiment of the invention may be formed as onepiece if it is possible for the components to still serve theirfunction. The components may also be composed of any of many differenttypes of materials or combinations thereof that can readily be formedinto shaped objects provided that the components selected are consistentwith the intended mechanical operation of the invention. For example,the components may be formed of rubbers (synthetic and/or natural),glasses, composites such as fiberglass, carbon-fiber and/or other likematerials, polymers such as plastic, polycarbonate, PVC plastic, ABSplastic, polystyrene, polypropylene, acrylic, nylon, phenolic, anycombination thereof, and/or other like materials, metals, such as zinc,magnesium, titanium, copper, iron, steel, stainless steel, anycombination thereof, and/or other like materials, alloys, such asaluminum, and/or other like materials, any other suitable material,and/or any combination thereof.

The flowchart in the Figures illustrates the operation of a possibleimplementation of methods according to various embodiments of thepresent invention. It should also be noted that, in some alternativeimplementations, the steps noted in the blocks may occur out of theorder noted in the figures. For example, two blocks shown in successionmay, in fact, be done substantially concurrently, or the blocks maysometimes be completed in the reverse order, depending upon the methodinvolved.

The embodiments and examples set forth herein were presented in order tobest explain the present invention and its practical application and tothereby enable those of ordinary skill in the art to make and use theinvention. However, those of ordinary skill in the art will recognizethat the foregoing description and examples have been presented for thepurposes of illustration and example only. The description as set forthis not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the invention to theprecise form disclosed. Many modifications and variations are possiblein light of the teachings above.

1. A method of manufacturing a product with an embedded ring, the methodcomprising: coupling a ring having to one of at least two mold parts ofa rotational molding mold, wherein the ring comprises a plurality ofcoupler teeth extending perpendicularly from a top surface of a body ofthe ring and parallel to an axis of the lock ring, and retaining aportion the coupler teeth outside of a cavity of the rotational moldingmold; rotomolding a product using the rotational molding mold to moldthe ring into the product; and removing the product with the ring fromthe mold, wherein the plurality of coupler teeth extends perpendicularlyaway from an outer surface of the product.
 2. The method of claim 1,wherein the ring comprises a plurality of coupler teeth extendingperpendicularly from a top surface of a body of the ring; and thecoupler teeth extend parallel to an axis of said ring.
 3. The method ofclaim 1, forming a channel in the product during rotomolding of theproduct.
 4. The method of claim 2, wherein said channel is formedadjacent the ring in the product.